The Iron Rose for Norway project has been silent for some time. We apologise for that! Some of you who sent roses to Oslo have been asking about the memorial monument. For some time, we had nothing to tell you. We are so happy to now be able to give you an update.
By the end of 2014, we had worked out the concept, secured a location at Stensparken, and were seeking funding for the monument. Then then Oslo city antiquarian lodged a complaint relating to the size and location of the monument. Though Oslo Municiplaity were still supportive of the project, they had to uphold the complaint. Around the same time, we lost our financial support too. Suddenly, we were back to square one. Everyone who had worked so hard to see the monument become a reality took a hit. We are just as keen as you all are to see the monument built and the victims honoured through remembrance. It took some time, but we have picked ourselves up and are making one, final, huge effort to erect the monument in a public space for the benefit of all humans who visit it.
That is not to say that all is lost! The vision of the project is still affecting people now, five years after its inception. Lars Ove Seljestad was inspired by the mission of Iron Rose for Norway to create a political literature festival called “Jernrosa” earlier this year. He described it as a development and continuation of the spontaneous solidarity that took place at the Nordic Blacksmithing Championships 2011, where Tobbe first inspired other blacksmiths to forge roses from iron. Even now, roses are still making their way to Tobbes workshop. In January, a metal bouquet was delivered from Germany by a group of four blacksmiths. Workshops are still happening from time to time and each rose is being added to the collection.
We have also continued our work with the National Support Group. Last month two members of the group travelled to Paris to meet with the support group for those affected by the attack at Bataclan. An iron rose traveled with them. Though the gunmen attacks on Utøya and Bataclan are separated by time and distance, there existed a deep bond between the Norwegians and French through shared experience. This moment embodies the ideals of the project so well: that it is a precious thing to help each other.
The project group has just elected a new Board and welcomed a new team member. Silas Engström, a blacksmith artist and good friend of Tobbes, is lending his amazing artistic skill and vision to the project. We are actively designing a new concept and seeking funding for the memorial monument. We are receiving a lot of positive feedback. Oslo Municipality are upholding their decision that the monument cannot be built according to the current design, but they do want to find a way to realise the project. It appears to be true that time alone changes things. The Norwegian people now seem more ready to accept the monument. Though it brings fresh sorrow, they now recognise how important it is.
NRK radio is producing a documentary on the project and memorial monument this weekend. The theme of the documentary is time and grief, and focuses on Tobbe and the work of the project. We are taking advantage of this great opportunity to boost our quest. For the first time some Norwegian politicians are publicly pledging their support. We strike while the iron is hot! You can listen to the podcast here (if you can understand Norwegian).
Iron Rose for Norway has always been guided by the participants. We are so grateful for all that you have done. Each smith who forged an iron rose showed great courage and a deep love for humanity. Together, we dared to take a stand against those who would pull us apart. And we continue to do that. Once again, thank you so much for your kindness and patience. Keep checking the Iron Rose for Norway Facebook group for updates on how things are going.
Every rose has its own story, and we would love to hear how your stories have developed since forging an iron rose. Please send a private message to the group, or email [email protected] directly, to share your experience. We would like to collect and share these stories to show the solidarity and compassion between the Norwegian people and the world.
- The Iron Rose for Norway project group.
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